East Yorkshire and Derwent Area Ramblers

Led Walks

Our successful programme of walks is entirely due to volunteers offering to lead them. By leading one or two walks a year for your local group you can help to spread the load evenly.  You can receive training and mentoring [see navigation training]. Routes can be supplied or assistance given in creating one if required.

Whether you are an experienced leader or a new volunteer there is a check list of actions to follow in the preparation of and actually undertaking a led walk.

Before the Walk

There is no exhaustive check list for leaders and much of the below is a basic common sense approach for ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and safe walk.

Choose and Prepare the Route

  • area, length/timing, circular/linear, consider terrain/elevation/ascent/season/ability of party
  • from map or guidebook or combination, research points of interest
  • check timings, lunch options, rest stops, bad weather alternatives/escape routes
  • transport options  - if applicable
Recce (preferably with your back-marker)
  • walk full route, assess risks, note critical navigation points and bearing, adjust route/escape routes if necessary, check timings for meal, rest and comfort stops
  • if possible advise Group Walks Co - ordinator of route description for updating in the Walks Finder

The day before

  • assess an up to date weather forecast and review alternative routes if necessary
  • check personal gear, first aid kit, compass, map
  • where appropriate confirm public transport arrangements
  • remember to take a mobile phone ifor any emergency

On the day - at the start

  • be early and welcoming especially to newcomers
  • take note of participants to identify anyone who may need assistance or have special needs
  • appoint a back-marker
  • look after non - RA people and provide membership details
  • where appropriate advise any dog-owners of Group policy
  • introduction: welcome, yourself, walk details, points of interest, refreshment and rest stops, estimated return time

On the day - the walk

  • stay at or near the front and check often you can see your back-marker
  • set an acceptable and reasonable pace without creating significant gaps -  watch for stragglers
  • concentrate on navigation, check timing against plan
  • manage the pace of the group with attention on regrouping, negotiating gates and stiles, rest stops and impact on the country side 
  • be alert to problems (individual, weather, road walking etc), involve others in party as necessary
  • enjoy the walk

At the end of the walk

  • check everyone has returned and can get home
  • report any incidents and obstructions 

ICE card

Central Office has produced a new ICE (in case of emergency) card.

This card is a place for walkers to put down important medical information and emergency contact details. Walkers should carry it on a walk so that if there's an accident or something goes wrong, the walk leader or the emergency services can easily find any information they might need.

Printed copies of the ICE card are available for Ramblers groups from volunteersupport@ramblers.zendesk.com.